Patient Knowledge and Perception about Antibiotics in Community Pharmacy

IntroductionThe emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance is on the rise around the world, posing a serious threat to public health in the twenty-first century. Several research conducted in various nations have found that the general public plays a pivotal role in the increase and spread of antibiotic resistance. The present study was designed to determine the patient knowledge and perception about antibiotics in community pharmacy. Methods200 participants were recruited by convenience sampling from patients visiting the pharmacy with a prescription for antibiotics and those fulfilling the eligibility criteria for this research. A structured questionnaire was used to access the patients knowledge and perception regarding antibiotics. Data collected were analyzed using Microsoft excel and Epi Info Software version 7 which was used to determine predictors of low antibiotic knowledge. ResultsOverall, 200 questionnaires were analyzed. 70.5% of the respondents had an intermediate level of knowledge. Misconceptions that antibiotics would work on viral infections were reported. 82% of the respondents could correctly identify that misuse of antibiotics can cause antibiotic resistance. The age, educational level, and whether or not the participants were studying or working in medical field were found to be important predictors of antibiotic knowledge. ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrate that the public surveyed has misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge in some crucial aspects of prudent antibiotic use. Also, negative attitudes regarding rational use of antibiotics were evident. Educational interventions are required to promote rationale use of antibiotics among the general public.